Recent diagnosis of COPD - very anxious
Firstly, I feel that I must apologise, as I realise there are so many people much worse off than me, yet I can't stop crying. I can't get out of bed to face the day. Please forgive me for sounding so pathetic.
I was recently diagnosed with COPD [moderate - FEV1 50%]. I found out last week after being released from hospital post pneumonia. They put me on Trimbow twice a day, and I see the respiratory team in another 6 weeks. I [obviously] have an anxiety condition which I am receiving treatment for.
I just can't get my head around the fact that I can't halt this disease, no matter what I do to help myself. [Pulmonary Rehab, aerobic exercise, taking my medication, attending all doctors appointments] I am 55 years old and my son and husband are the lights of my life. I had this [stupid] idea in my head that by doing all of the right things I could stay alive for at least another 20 years to be with them. The thought of waking up with this utter despair every day terrifies me.
Could someone please, please share a positive story/experience to help drag me out of this hole of despair I have dug for myself? Thank you so, so much, and I would really appreciate any feedback. I feel nothing but despair.
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Hi again.
I responded to your earlier post, but I want to take a moment to address what you've shared here too. First off, please don't feel the need to apologize—what you're going through is incredibly tough, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's also not "pathetic" at all to express how you're feeling. Many people in your situation have been where you are right now, and it's absolutely normal to feel scared and uncertain. I look forward to hearing what others in this community have to say. In the meantime, my colleague Jackie (who also has COPD) wrote about some positives that came from her COPD diagnosis. I think it will be helpful. I will post a link to that article here (https://copd.net/living/positives-from-diagnosis).
The steps you are already taken (as you noted in your other post) are HUGE steps, and they can absolutely improve your quality of life. COPD may be progressive, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have years of living well ahead of you. I've seen people stabilize their symptoms and continue to live full lives for many, many years.
We're here for you, and I truly believe you'll find your way through this difficult time. I'll also encourage my colleagues to share their own positive stories from the community, which might help lift your spirits. And feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions or just need support—we're here for you. John. community moderator.
Hello. One very positive thing is that you aren’t alone. You will have a support system of people who are going through this too. I am one of them.
COPDis a progressive disease, meaning it will get worse over time. However, you can help to slow the progression of your disease. By exercise; healthy diet; regular visits to the doctor, as they require; medication including oxygen, if and as prescribed. Do ask your doctor about an antidepressant. They do help, have a support system which can be face to face, such as Better Breathers, or a therapist, over the phone, could be therapy or with a friend, or online, with others mentioned or with is here. As you care for and treat your COPD, you can actually slow the progression of your disease. It won’t go away, but it can be slowed down. You can live a good life, different, but good.
Many people react with fear on their diagnosis. I did. But I realized that I will have bad days, and good days. I have learned to pace myself., to slow down and to take a break when needed. Also to ask for help, which isn’t me, but it helps.
People may not know what to say to you or what to do.
Tell them, ask for help. It will get easier. There are so many wonderful articles on COPD.net. People who have shared their stories, their fears, and things they have overcome. I have stories there too.
It’s important to know that you aren’t alone, that people are going through similar things, and that people/we do care.
Janet (Team Member)Here are a few links that might interest you. There are so many more.
https://copd.net/living/managing-depression
https://copd.net/living/where-does-happiness-come-from
https://copd.net/living/lifes-difficulties
https://copd.net/living/airway-clearance
https://copd.net/living/adjusting-your-attitude
Janet (((hugs)))
Hi
!
Let me tell you that I was where you were 14 years ago. I was 39 with 36 % lung function when I was diagnosed. I'm here now, 14 years later with the same lung function. Actually, it's better because when I started my medicine it went up to 45% ( I fluctuate between 36-45 at every test. Depends on weather, etc) . I deal with anxiety over the years as well but the more you know, the less anxiety you will have. You will and can get through this. We are all here for you. 🥰 It sounds like you are doing all of the right things. Feel free to message me any time. If you'd like to read some of my articles, you can find them here. For some reason, it won't let me post a link. You can look up my name in the forum to find them. There are many like me as well who have been where you are at. Just look up our articles and you will see. I feel like we have a lot in common. I hope this has helped. 💜🙏
Best, Jackie (Moderator)
